A View From the Oasis - Maricopa, AZ

New Look for a New Decade

2010-01-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

We have never been more excited about the future! Last Sunday, Jan 10th, 2010 we introduced a new logo and a new tag line for a new decade!

Check it out!

Vision 2010 - Don't Miss This Sunday & Next!

2010-01-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

Re:Imagine - Vision 2010

I've never been more excited about what God is doing at Oasis Life Church. Over the past few months the vision of Oasis has been clarified and this weekend we begin the presentation of Vision 2010.

Don't miss Sunday Jan 10th and Sunday Jan 17th at either the 8:30 or 10:30 AM service as we roll out the fresh, updated vision and mission of Oasis Life Church. It is simple, obvious and strategic! God is on the move and we invite you to be a part of it!

And - there is a BIG announcement on Sunday January 10th that you do not want to miss!

See you there - Pastor Scott

Christmas Eve 2009 is upon us

2009-12-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve service begins in just under 3 hours! 2009 has come and gone so quickly! For many perhaps it has not been quickly enough. Suffice it to say, 2009 has been a hard year in many ways. We see so much pain in the financial situation of families, the health of relationships and uncertainty with jobs & more.

However crazy Christmas may seem when it comes to commitments & obligations....I encourage you to stop, if even for a short while. Stop and contemplate why we celebrate this holiday. Has the birth of Jesus made a difference in the way that you live your life? If so, stop and thank Him that he cared enough to enter our world, live a perfect life & give it away unselfishly so that we could live. Thank Him for the opportunity He has given us to be in relationship with the Father. He says, "If you know me, you have come to know my Father in heaven."

Tonight - we celebrate "The Savior of Christmas". It is about hope. It is about life. It is about our lives being changed because of this one event in history.

Join us at Oasis Life Church, 19756 N. John Wayne Pkwy, Suite 108 at 6PM tonight for a celebration of dance, worship, Christmas carols and an interactive message including adults & children. The service is just one hour long and there is childcare for 0-5 yrs old. Refreshments will be served and the service will end with a candlelight ceremony with the singing of "Silent Night".

Merry Christmas!

With Love - Pastor Scott

"At the Kids Movies" is coming back to Oasis!

2009-07-03T22:51:00.000-07:00

Last summer one of our most popular series was "At the Kids Movies". It was July, gas was $4 a gallon, it was 100 degrees plus and the popcorn was free!

Well - we're bringing it back for the summer of 2009. Gas is almost $3 a gallon, it's hot and once again the popcorn is free.

Starting July 12th and running until August 2nd. In the heat of an AZ summer, a cool, dark theater is just the place for a family to retreat. For a few hours we get lost in the action, excitement and the thrill of what Hollywood has produced. But could these movies point to truth in our lives? Join us as we apply Scripture to the life lessons "At the Kids Movies"

Just as last year - the first weeks movie will be a surprise and then the next week's movie will only be revealed at the end of the service! Showings are each Sunday at 8:30 or 10:30 AM. You'll not want to miss a week!

Oasis Sunday Night Reflections

2009-03-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that I've not made an entry to this blog for over a month! Seems like the manic Monday sent me over the edge - not really but life has been a blur since that time!

It's Sunday night and Caryl is putting Johnny to sleep after a very long day. Here are just a few reflections for a Sunday night:

God is working in our midst!
Today was a powerful and awesome conclusion to our series "Sexual Revolution"
Response time was incredible today as dozens posted their shame on the cross, lit a candle for purity in their lives, were anointed for healing and received communion!
Seeing people get "shame off of them" is worth it
This sexual revolution that has begun between our ears and not between the sheets needs to continue from generation to generation!
Can I just say that my wife gave one of the best talks about sex ever last week! Men and women alike need to listen to this! Here's a link - http://tinyurl.com/ca2d7u
I don't know about you but I'll forever think of the hand motions to "Trading My Sorrow" to be equated with the phrase "shame off you"
We are seeing a lot of visitors this year! Praise God and by the way it seems like "Google" is one of the main way people find us in Maricopa!
Six people baptized today in a beautiful ceremony in the pool of Daniel & Susi Wagner!
What incredible testimonies we heard from all of them!
And nearly 100 people came to eat, hang out and witness this incredible event!
Baptism is one of my favorite things we get to do in the church - cutting off the old man and moving forward in what God has for us has so much meaning!
Windy - can you say windy this afternoon?
The wind always reminds me of the Holy Spirit. And - the Holy Spirit is moving in our midst - bringing us peace and freedom, hope and life!
I think a few people may have missed out on an incredible day because of March Madness and the playoffs! - Anyway - God still has something for you too!
Can you believe that next week we start the series that will lead us into Easter?
The series will be "Famous Last Words" - as we explore the last 16 Words of Jesus as he hung on the cross - powerful, life changing!
Didn't realize that the youth leaders would get about an hours rest before they had to be at Hydrate - oops - we'll have to do something different next time we have baptism.
Thank you for all the prayers for our brother-in-law, David Sharp. He had quadruple bypass surgery in Panama City, FL on Friday and we just learned that he got out of ICU this afternoon. Hopefully he'll be going home very soon!
Please pray for the finances of the church - like everywhere - things are tight and we trust God for all our needs. Pray that he will release the financial blessings that he has in store for us all!
Caryl, Susan, Josh, Emily, Sean, Cheryl, Brandon, David, Carrie and so many others - thank you for the time, energy and passion you devote to this ministry! You are making a difference! I love you all!
Turning 44 this week - Yikes! But as my 100 yr old great grandmother used to say "Age is a matter of the mind." If you don't mind - it doesn't matter!
Have an awesome week and here is to believing it won't take another months until I post again!

Ok - time to relax and get some much needed sleep - Blessings - Pastor Scott

Manic Monday? Poop, Poison, Run Away Dog, Hospitals and More!

2009-02-16T22:54:00.000-08:00

It was a Monday like I've not had for some time and I think it has finally come to an end but then again it is nearly midnight so I guess it should be ending.

I didn't get out of bed until nearly 9:30 and that was a good start. However within the first 30 minutes we had an elderly Alzheimer father in-law who had a fecal accident. My mother-in-law was not feeling well and attempted to get him changed. Soon I couldn't find our 10 wk old puppy, only to find her eating poop in the bathroom a few minutes later. I quickly got her cleaned up and back in her kennel for some rest.

Caryl got her dad shower and got him dressed for the day. During this time we noticed that her mom was more disoriented than the day before and that she continued to have some jerking of her arm. Her medicines had just been changed a few days ago so we've been believing that this is side-affects of the new medicines. As the morning progressed we noticed that she was getting worse so we called her doctor. He recommended that she go to the hospital to be evaluated and rule out anything that may be going wrong.

Meanwhile- I had a call to help a family get a tow dolly to go pick up a car in Tucson. When we were at U-haul it turned out that the vehicle they had to pull the dolly/car was not large enough so we couldn't make this work.

Our niece, Melyssa came to help with dad while Caryl was at the doctor. What a huge help and Marley came along to play and Johnny was entertained. About mid-afternoon dad let Little-Man (Mom's escape artist Bichon Frise) out the front door. Melyssa was able to get him back but not before dad had made his way partially down the street. Meanwhile I was partially oblivious as Johnny was doing a poop and Marley was playing upstairs. Soon Daniel, my awesome friend next door, was ringing the doorbell to deliver dad back home.

Around 4 Pm I arrived back from the store with a few items that we needed for the day. Around that time I had Susan come by to help rearrange mom/dad's room so that she would have a more comfortable bed. Meanwhile Melyssa took dad, Marley and Johnny outside - and I believed all the dogs were along. Once I thought I heard something and I went to check and see if a dog had been trapped in our pantry - didn't see anything.

Then about 5 min later Johnny comes to tell me that Sydney (our 10 wk old Mastiff puppy) had been trapped in the pantry. Not sure how she got in there other than that she followed Johnny in for a snack. Well, her snack was a tray of phosphorescent blue rat poison. Called her vet. They said make her vomit by using peroxide and then get her to the Doggy ER as quickly as possible. Didn't seem like she would vomit and then we finally had HUGE piles of blue vomit - lovely and then other dogs trying to get into it. I'd like to say I kept my cool but I yelled a bit and was rather forceful with everyone. Finally I'm off to the ER vet which is 30 minutes away in Chandler. Melyssa & Susan both agreed to stay behind and clean up the vomit, watch dad and keep the kids entertained.

The vet was so professional and so good. I'd like to say I've never been there before but our epileptic Dalmatian of days gone by made quite a few visits. Turns out the vomiting was good for Sydney. She got a good dose of liquid charcoal, a Vitamin K shot, an IV and a prescription for 21 days of Vitamin K. At the end of that we'll check her clotting levels and if they are OK we'll be done - if not - more Vitamin K. Fortunately second generation rat poisons are treatable and we should have a full grown Mastiff in the year to come! Praise God as I already love this dog and could not face Kelvin (the breeder) if she had not survived!

Meanwhile Caryl and mom have now been in ER for over 12 hours. She was seen by a doctor in the past hour. Prior to that they did about 5 tests - chest X-Ray, Head CT, Blood work, Urine tests and more. They are now looking to admit her as her oxygen levels have not been good, swelling is very bad and they want to run a few more tests. Looks like it could be 3-8 hrs until she gets a room - Wow do we need more capacity in health care in AZ or what?

The puppy is sleeping. My son is sleeping and Susan is staying over to help with him. Dad is changed for a final time and in bed asleep. I'm catching up on some blogging and other online stuff and will take my position on the couch downstairs very soon. Have to to be sure Dad doesn't get out again tonight!

I really have laughed today - what else could we do? Was it just another Manic Monday? You decide!

Oasis Sunday Night Reflections

2009-02-15T22:25:00.000-08:00

Another Sunday has come and gone at Oasis. Today we began a new series, "Sexual Revolution" and here are a few thoughts for tonight:

Sex seems easy to talk about just about anywhere but church
This was definitely the first time that I've spoken in a public format about sex
The lies of the enemy about sex are so distorted that as the church we have to get the message out
Sex is not just physical, it's emotional & spiritual as well.
God created sex and he wants those who are married to have an awesome sex life. Remember if you keep it in the "fire pit" then it will be healthy and productive. If sex is outside the "fire-pit" there is opportunity for great and wide sweeping destruction
God did set up his standards on sex so that he could control us and keep us from having a "good time" here on earth. He did it to protect us.
Not to protect us from pregnancy & disease but rather to protect our souls.
Don't let the enemy mess up your soul so that you cannot have intimacy as God created it. If he can mess it up in your vertical relationships it will get messed up in your vertical relationship with God.
I love Perry Noble's tweet today - "Jesus didn't call me into ministry because I'm good...but because HE is good!" Man, does my soul resonate with that!
Every day I thank God for the opportunity to do what I'm doing. I am the most unlikely person to be leading a church.
Those he calls, he equips.
Humility counts
I love it when we see people at Oasis becoming the hands & feet of Jesus. What an awesome week of seeing those who are less fortunate have an encounter with followers who are laying down their lives for others.
Please pray comfort for the Howard family as they lost a 29 yr old niece this week, who had a 6 week old baby as well. She passed away from complications from pneumonia & MRSA - hard to make sense of such a loss. Holy Spirit, come and be comfort that only you can provide.
I love living where I do. I love the city of Maricopa and I love living on the street I do. I love being next door to someone that I count a such a good friend. Really fun to be out on the street this evening with so many neighbors and our kids - community - it matters!
Still praying for the 30 families and individuals that God has for us to step up and serve at Oasis in the next few months. We are well on our way!
Had an awesome Valentines day with my wife! Hadn't had a date in nearly 5 months so we were long over due! We enjoyed an awesome movie "Slumdog Millionaire" and then ate sushi at RA Sushi - what a treat!
Love the momentum we are experiencing!
Looking forward to all that God has in store for us at Oasis.
Do you believe that the wall is coming down? I believe!

So is our thinking about sex really that distorted?

2009-02-14T22:04:00.000-08:00

***

We live in a sex saturated culture. But - don't we know more and so we are more "in tune" with our sexuality? The church has been either silent on sex or said, "stay away - you should be pure and celibate. Don't think about it"

Join us starting Sunday Feb 15 as we look at how we all need a make over of our view on sex. Didn't God create it? Did he say it was good? Is our thinking about sex really that distorted? What is a Biblical view of sex? How can we stay pure and yet enjoy sex? How do we talk to our children about it? What is sexual addiction and how do we overcome it?

Join us at 8:30 or 10:30 AM at Oasis Life Church as we tackle this subject. I am really excited that we are going to talk about sex in the place where we should be most safe to discuss this!

***This series is rate PG-13 and we strongly advise all children to be placed in the KidSplash ministry during this series or you may be explaining things you are not ready to explain. In addition, we are opening our 3-5th grade class to 6/7th graders during this series, should you feel your children of this age are not prepared to hear this info.

See you there! - Pastor Scott

Breaking the 21 Day Fast - It's Past Sundown!

2009-01-31T18:31:00.001-08:00

Wow! Hard to believe that 21 days have past and in just the past hour, it was time to break the fast.

While I was excited to eat the spinach, ricotta stuffed shells that my mom made us all, there was an overwhelming sense that 21 awesome days had come to an end. Will I remember all the incredible lessons that have come during this fast?

I plan to write more about this in the days that come, however tonight here are just a few reflections:

We have control over what goes into our bodies. We are not powerless over our surroundings and the alluring marketing of food in our culture!
If I want my passion level to increase for God, giving up food or something else that I enjoy is a small price to pay.
The Lord of the Harvest is sending forth his workers into the harvest - thank you God! We continue to pray for the 30 families and individuals that are going to sign up to serve in one way or another.
Salvation in the house! May we never tire of seeing more people give their lives over to Him each week!
We must be ready to disciple and lead the way! Continue to raise up individuals who are willing to work with those who are new in their faith.
Fasting is a practice that I look forward to having in every month of my year in 2009!

Jesus, may I become less so that you can become more!

Fasting? What are you learning?

2009-01-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

Participating in "Awakening" has been an awesome opportunity for all of us to explore the discipline of fasting in our lives. In Matt 6 Jesus gives instruction for when we give, when we pray and when we fast. As believers we often struggle with giving, we understand that prayer matters but fasting seems foreign and out dated.

Today a friend asked me what God has been saying to me during this fast. There is so much to say. First - I'm so pumped about fasting. This is now our 3rd 21-day fast at the beginning of the new year at Oasis. Each year God reveals himself to me and our church as we forgo food to seek clarity. This year, more than any other year the discipline factor of fasting has not been a struggle. From day one there has been clarity and answers. We've prayed for salvation to be in our house and in the last 3-weeks there have been 18 people give their lives to Christ.

We've prayed that God will send the workers. We press on in this regard and know that we must continue to ask the Lord of the Harvest to send his workers. And - in 2-weeks we've had 26 new families or individuals give us their information. Already many are asking how they can serve!

More than anything this fast has been the "spiritual atomic bomb" that Bill Bright & Stovall Weems speak of when they talk about fasting. I can't say I ever have a day that I don't love God - but my passion level can wane. I can become stressed out and focused on what does not matter. In the past 16 days my passion level had gone WAY up! And I know that I want it to stay up, even move on up!

So, if putting aside food and other distractions on a regular basis - to fast - is going to increase my passion for the Kingdom then I am in! New school fasting- seeking to be in alignment with what God is up to all around us and then joining in! Clarity in what matters! Cleaning out the cob webs! Revving the engine! Let's go for it!

So are you fasting? What are you learning?

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-01-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

Wow! Am I pumped up or what? God is awesome and I am in one of those weeks that I can hardly believe I get to be a part of this! So - here are a few random thoughts and reflections of this past week!

Fasting is soooo worth it! Should I not be willing to forgo the food I love so much to hear from God? Is not his Kingdom worth it? Is my family not worth it? Are unbelievers worth it? On all accounts - yes! Forgo food and be ready to receive!
Salvation is in house! Three weeks and 18 decisions for Christ at Oasis! It never gets old seeing people make the connection and then get reconnected to the Father! He is calling His children home.
We need workers! The harvest is plenty but few are those who are there to lead, to disciple to love, to influence to give!
I think our 10:30 svc today had the most kids we've ever had at one service - 61 in KidSplash today with 10 workers! Wow! What a ride!
Can you make the 8:30 service? We could definitely accommodate more people in the first service! If you are willing and able - this would allow us to have more room for visitors which are more likely to attend the 10:30 service.
Can I just say - that wall MUST come down!
Will you pray with me that Oasis will give consistently of their resources so that we can see that wall come down?
More people attending but still not meeting our budget per month! God I trust you and pray you will release your provision for your work here in Maricopa. Find us faithful to you!
Ok - "30-Days to Live" might be the most challenging series we've done yet! It has been messing me up every week and the response has been one we've not seen in some time - if ever!
We turn 2 years old as a church in just 2 weeks! Hardly seems possible but it is about to come to pass.
Can't wait for our dream team party on Feb 7th! Love to celebrate everyone who makes this all happen week in and week out!
Caryl & I cannot do this all ourselves - we love our staff and we love the Dream Team! Thank you for the way you give your lives away!
Caryl is traveling this week and then hopefully will be home with us for a month or so! Thank you God - we need the mama at home!
My parents arrive this Wed night and can't wait for Super Bowl next Sunday - Cardinals here and my parents for Steelers! Should be fun. Johnny says he's just rooting for the Super Bowl!
Yes - we are getting a new dog! A beautiful Mastiff puppy that most likely will also become a part of our family next Sunday! Time to hide the shoes!

There is so much more I could say but it is WAY past the time I should be in bed tonight! Johnny has school in the AM and that means dad has to get up early!

With love - Pastor Scott

Oasis Sunday Night Reflections

2009-01-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday night and time to put out a few reflections about the week and today! We serve an awesome God and what an incredible thing that we get to do this in community with one another!

Here goes:

Week 2 of "30 Days to Live" was more intense than week one. Perhaps one of the most difficult messages I've had to bring but so worth it!
Did I honestly say out loud today "if you don't give to God, you don't love God"? Again, can't apologize for that because it is the truth. If you are struggling with that, you've got to check your heart because love gives!
Love gives of our finances, of our time and of our lives!
God is moving in 2009 - 3 weeks in and we have 13 commitments for Christ already!
Lord of the harvest - send your workers! We need help to do discipleship, follow up, hospitality, more kids- the harvest is plenty but where are the committed followers who will do the work?
First service attendance was up today - think it had something to do with Cardinals - Eagles game!
Can I just shout out! AZ CARDINALS are in the Super Bowl. So excited for our state and for Kurt Warner - the man! Perry Noble says this might be one of the last great prophecies to be fulfilled before Jesus comes back! LOL
To top it off Steelers won today so this means the when my parents arrive in a few weeks we will have a rivalry in the house for Super Bowl Sunday! Gotta love it! This is like perfect alignment of the stars!
Awakening 2009 is an awesome privilege and man are we blessed to be a part of this! Awaken our souls oh God, may we see you and your will more perfectly!
Answered prayer - salvation in the house and protection for my family from illness as Caryl & I cared for very sick parents this week! God is good
Oasis - looking to know your specific prayers so I can pray for your during this fast! Send them to my email. I encourage you to seek Him as well but it would be my privilege to intercede on your behalf!
We are just about to turn 2 years old as a church! So looking forward to our celebration dinner for the Dream Team! If you serve or have served in the past year - mark Sat. Feb 7 on your calendar as we celebrate you! We'll meet at 5:30 at the church for catered dinner for adults and a movie night with their own meal, popcorn and more for the kids!
The Shell across the street from our church is selling drug paraphernalia and some local groups and individuals are working to convince them to stop. Check out local media outlets for stories and details! Most of all pray - we can see this removed from our city! Earlier this week they agreed to stop and then reversed their decision.
Caryl is traveling the next two weeks! Please pray for her as it is a struggle for her to be away from the family! And we miss her!
Making a final decision about adding a new puppy to our household! Are we crazy?
"Pray for Maricopa" is coming this weekend! Don't miss it as we join together with believers of all denominations and backgrounds to pray for our city, our churches, our families, our country, our schools and our future! Imagine what could happen!
Praying and believing for what is ahead! We're just getting started!

Answered Prayers

2009-01-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

God answers prayer! At times not exactly as we had in mind but in due time and in His nature! As we continue Awakening 2009 we want to know your prayer requests, your heartaches and all that you would ask us to intercede for you. I urge you to pray and fast as well and seek the face of God. Make your petitions known to him through prayer, with thanksgiving. He promises peace and the guarding of your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Here is how is answered some prayer this week already:

Salvation to come to our house - last Sunday (first day of our prayer & fast) we had 8 people give their life to Christ! May we be on our knees daily for those who have not yet come to Jesus.
We prayed with a team on Tuesday night that a local convenience store owner would have a change of heart and remove drug paraphernalia from his merchandise counter. On Wed he made an unexpected stop at his store and M.A.S.H. and a concerned local activist met with him. He has agreed to remove the merchandise within 4 days. More territory taken back!
Caryl & I had nearly 3 days of intense care for her parents on Mon-Wed of this week. They came down with the flu and due to Alzheimer's and lack of mobility we had to clean up lots of bodily fluids (and other things that I'd rather not put in writing). We have been fasting and praying that we would not get this flu so we could continue to care for them and for our flock at Oasis. Now 3 days later we appear to have been spared. Caryl had a mild touch of it and I only lacked energy for a day. Today we are energized and preparing to bring the Word tomorrow! Thank you God for your protection.

We look forward to the opportunity to pray with and for you. Please send me your prayer requests at pastorscott@oasislifechurch.org or post them here on my blog if you want them to be public.
Don't forget to send me updates on how God answers your prayer! He may have far more than you could have asked, believed or imagined in store for you!

With love- Pastor Scott

This Was an Eye Opener!

2009-01-15T20:02:00.000-08:00

Today I was reading "Fasting" by Jentezen Franklin and this was an eye opener! Wow God, why had I not seen this before? I've been committed and learning about the practice of fasting for a number of years and I had not heard this concept.

The three duties of every Christian are giving, praying and fasting. Matt 6:1-18 gives very strong guidance regarding when we give, when we pray and when we fast. Jentezen says that this creates a threefold cord that is not easily broken. Could we be missing out on great breakthrough and release because we fail to fast?

I know that my actions are not going to make God love me more. But, I sure can tell the difference between being dry and being full. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matt 5:6) Isn't forgoing food or drink for a period of time worth it to have a deeper understanding of the relationship God desires with us? Wouldn't it be worth it to have more of his character revealed?

God, like never before I want my attention to be turned from my stomach, from my desires, from my needs, from my wants, from my concerns - to Your Kingdom! Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven!

So what do you think?

Awakening 2009

2009-01-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

Oasis Life Church is joining with over 300 churches - representing over 300,000 believers who will be joining together to fast and pray. Imagine what can happen when we come together to seek the face of God. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" Seek to be in alignment with what God is doing on the earth.

Join us as we pray and fast from Jan 11 to Jan 31. For daily devotion and reading resources, see http://www.awake21.org/ You'll also find insightful blog entries and encouragement from other believers joining together in Awakening.

Oasis Sunday Night Reflections

2009-01-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

8 Decision for Christ today as we kicked off our first series of the year: "30 Days to Live" . If you knew your time on earth was limited, how would this change your life? It's not about completing the "bucket list" but rather having a filter to select what is important in life. While Craig Groeschel first penned this series, it has been rocking my thinking. I pray that as we look into God's Word regarding this subject - your life will be changed as well.

Here are some thoughts from today:

We kicked off our 21 day prayer & fasting and we are partnering with http://www.awake21.org/

First service attendance was really down - not sure what to make of that!

Second service was well attended but we could have been at overflow if there were not football playoff games and the flu going around!

"30 Days to Live" is going to be an awesome series that will challenge us all to evaluate how we make decisions in our life. What is your filter?

8 people made a decision to give their life to Jesus today! Man - this is why we are here and this never gets old!

Our Dream Team rocks!

Nearly 50 members of our dream team stayed for a meeting and training today.

Many members of our team ate raw vegetables without Ranch dressing today for the first time.

You can eat really healthy and be satisfied on the Daniel fast!

Our new KidSplash rooms look incredible - thank you to everyone who helped to paint and re-arrange them over the Christmas break.

Trying to give up coffee/caffeine during this fast- had less today but not sure how I will do in the days ahead. My wife and friends usually beg me not to stop drinking coffee- they say I'm grumpy when I don't?

I like the thought that Stovall Weems posted last week that coffee is a bean juice and should be legal on a fast!

Fasting is no about twisting the arm of God but rather about coming into alignment.

Take fasting serious but don't be so legalistic that you miss the point - it's about seeking after God in a way that allows for spiritual & physical purification. For spiritual purification, we must replace time eating, watching TV, listening to the radio, etc with time in God's presence and in His Word. For physical purification, it will take the elimination of many foods.

Just take the next step - if you've never fasted, try it for a day or two. If you've never fasted food - try it. Perhaps you need to fast technology.

On that point - I'm fasting Facebook and Twitter for the 21 days of this fast - this may be harder than giving up any food!

Coming out of the fast, I am going to be working on some additional lifestyle issues so that I can successfully drop the 40 pounds that need to be gone from this body in 2009!

Been thinking about the few comments that I've been hearing that we don't offer enough programs - must stay true to the vision that God has given and often know more when to say "no" than to say "yes".

God is good - no matter the set backs.

God is good- even when it seems that he is not.

God is good - his mercy endures forever!

2009 - It is a New Year!

2008-12-31T23:57:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year! 2008 has come and gone and a 2009 is here!

Caryl & I wish you a very Happy New Year and pray that you will have prosperity in all areas of your life in 2009.

Just a few random thoughts before I head to bed:

This year was historic in so many ways, a new president, an economic downturn and so much more
We learned at Oasis over and over that it is not about us and all about Him!
We learned that there is power in community.
We said good-bye to Kathy Brun & Dave Lickwar - both very difficult but both leaving this world in peace.
Our first anniversary was a blast and it is hard to believe that in 7 weeks we'll be 2 years old as a church.
Easter saw attendance of over 400 in 3 services - what will 2009 bring?
We learned that sometimes responding to God means we have to get out of our seats! - the response stations have been really powerful in our services throughout the year.
High gas prices mean higher church attendance in Maricopa - people were less likely to drive 20+ miles when gas was over $4/ gal.
Video teaching can work - as we learned in "One Prayer" So - we are going to do it again in 2009.
There are great life lessons that can be learned from Kid's movies.

Finally - Caryl & I love Oasis more and more each passing month. We pray to serve God and Oasis all the days of our life!

So - if we could learn something in 2009, what would you like it to be?

Don't Miss Hydrate, The Band as the Youth of Oasis Lead Us in Worship Tomorrow

2008-12-27T22:12:00.001-08:00

Don't miss the youth of Oasis as they lead us in worship tomorrow morning at both the 8:30 & 10:30 AM services!

Under the direction of Sean Kelly & Josh Grubbs - we'll be lead in to the presence of God Almighty!

We believe the next generation will do even greater things! We believe we must embrace and release the next generation now to become all that God has for them!

See you there!

"12-Days" Pictures

2008-12-26T23:27:00.000-08:00

Pictures from our second annual family variety show entitled "12-Days". This event took place on Saturday Dec 13 with2 performances at 4:30 & 6 PM. Tons of sugar & coffee were consumed between shows!

My Prayer - Call Us Back Everlasting Father!

2008-12-20T22:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Father (In Heaven),
It is nearly mid-night and tomorrow morning will be "Christmas" services for churches all over America. As my twitter pastor friends are seeking you and praying for miracles tomorrow - I seek you as well. We feel avgreat weight and yet we know that you are the one who is drawing all men to yourself.

I pray that as we come into your presence tomorrow - we would have an encounter that would change us. For those who have already chosen to follow you, may they see you like never before. I pray they hear your voice. For those who have rejected you because of the image they have of their earthly father - give them a lens of you thru scripture - open their spiritual ears to hear you as you really are.

You are not angry with us.
You are satisfied with us and love us.
You care for us.
You have great plans for us - to prosper our lives.
You have a desire to give us hope.
You have an incredible future for us.
You believe in us and you're cheering us on.
You see us as righteous because of the relationship we have with your Son, Jesus.

Everlasting Father - I love you and thank you for the new revelation of who you are. Thank you that you are calling your children to return to you. Thank you that you are revealing yourself anew so that we can have a fresh start. Thank you for allowing us to break the bonds of the generations before us.

I've been changed because I've been in your presence. I'll never be the same. May the world never be the same because of what you've begun in me and so many others who are returning to the Father.

I love you and can't wait to get back on your lap again tomorrow.
Your son - Scott

"Elf-Scott & A 12-Days Wish for All"

2008-12-18T17:56:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Twittering Away - FB - Tokbox and more!

2008-12-17T23:12:00.000-08:00

Twittering away! So do you twitter? Do you FB (Facebook) or even Tokbox?

How do we keep up with all this new technology? As a pastor, I'm checking all this out to see how it can be effective in reaching out, staying in touch, encouraging, training and connecting with unreached generations by the church. But - I have to admit that it is kind of crazy trying to keep up and not let these new tools consume too much time. How to learn effectiveness without losing balance and focus?

Here's an overview of what I'm trying. I'd love to connect with you in these places as well.

Twitter - a mini-blogging tool that answers the question - what are you doing? Check it out at http://www.twitter.com/ and you can subscribe to follow me on Twitter at oasislifeScott . Twitter can be viewed on your computer and on many phone applications. Updates can be sent and received via text as well. I use it to update my Facebook status as well.

Facebook - single handedly the best tool online to connect with friends, family, business associates, church members and just about anyone. I've been able to make connections with people that I've not talked to in over 2 decades. I've connected with pastors, authors, musicians, actors and most importantly lots of people at Oasis Life Church. While it can be an addictive past time, I think it might just be the front line in the modern world of encouragement. Connect with me on Facebook at Scott Helsel

Tokbox - this is a new tool that I just discovered as a result of a tweet (a twitter update) by Geoff Surratt of Seacoast Church in SC. This is a new videoconferencing tool that can be used free of charge and without downloading any software. Just sign up and connect with others by inviting them to join you online. If you don't have a camera connected to your computer - you can do just audio. I've not really used it too much yet but hope to start using this for training and mentoring connections with other pastors around the country. I can also see some great small group or discipleship applications coming. How about outreach sessions to answer questions that provoke conversation? I think we are going to see this explode and be a huge par of our future! Connect with me on Tokbox at http://www.tokbox.com/Scott754

And - we now use Constant Contact to be more effective in our newsletter and communication with the church and community. The more - well, I know that there will be more and more technologies that I'll be checking out. Let me know what technology you use everyday and let's stay in touch! - Blessings - Pastor Scott

Ok - This One is Kind of Like Cheating

2008-12-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

It is 10:45 PM on the last day of my blogging week! My commitment was to make 3 or more entries per week. So far -only 2 this week.

So - not much to say but here is number 3 for the week! Help me to do better next week! Keep me accountable - make comments and let me know what you'd like to hear about!

That's all for this one!
Good night!

Awesome "12-Days" - More Info Coming!

2008-12-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

Just a few hours ago we finished our 2 annual performance of "12-Days" This was an idea that we got while we attended our mother church, Desert Springs Church. This is a fun family outreach with 12 variety-style acts.

This year we welcomed "Broken Rhodes" for the second time and we were treated to some awesome music. The kids always steal the show and this year was no exception. And - my son didn't pick his nose on stage this year! We are making progress.

Other highlights was a story, "The Birds" as told by Sharyn Ketcham. We had dances by the Hydrate dance group and the 3-5 grade dance group. Other musical performances came via "Hydrate, The Band", The Vsssssss, and more! We'll have video and pictures coming soon!

Each year we end with the story of the legend of the "12-Days of Christmas". If you've not heard it - you'll have to make plan to attend next year. Sean Kelly can even tell you if I can do the whole song in the same key!

Christmas is not about the 12-days of shopping at Macy's (sorry Macy's), not about the food, the friends, the presents or even our family. Rather it is about the fact that a Jesus was born, a Savior came to earth - knowing he would die. Because of this we celebrate that we have salvation and the hope of eternal life!

Merry Christmas!

Thinking About a New Year

2008-12-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

Tonight was our final night of community groups for 2008. We'll actually have a Christmas party next week, but tonight was the final night to gather and discuss content.

Tonight we took some quiet time during our group. It is amazing how long 10 minutes can seem when there is silence and 13 people are seeking after God - to hear from the Holy Spirit. We asked Him what needed to change in us and what a first step would be to make that happen. So - what would happen in the 52 weeks of 2009 if we allowed God to speak to us about a small change each week? Would we be more transformed? Would we be more like Jesus? Would our families be better? Would our churches be more alive? Would we serve our family, friends, church and community more?

Something to start thinking about - fasting in the first 21 days of 2009. The last two years we fasted the 21 days leading up to the anniversary of our church - but this time we will fast at the beginning of the year. This is a great opportunity for our community of faith to come together, to seek the face of God and seek direction and clarity as we move forward.

So - are you thinking about 2009? What will you do different than this year?

Generous? How Can I Give to My Community this Christmas?

2008-12-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

So - last night I told you about what was going on at Oasis this Christmas Season. Today - let's talk about how we can give back to our community.

1. F.O.R. Maricopa (Food, Opportunity, Resources for Maricopa) - Oasis gave 51 complete dry food boxes to F.O.R. Maricopa during the Thanksgiving holiday. We have the opportunity to give as many "boxes" of food for Christmas as well. This time we'll just have a list of items to put in a box and not the actual box. So - let's make a goal to give another 50 complete sets of the dry goods to make up a Christmas box. You can get the list on Sunday - Dec 7th or email Emily Grubbs via info@oasislifechurch.org

2. Stuff a Stocking - Each year Oasis Life Church comes together to help make Christmas an enjoyable time for families who would not be able to do so on their own. A majority of these families attend Oasis, but a few come from the community as well. This year we are providing "Oasis Christmas Stockings" that include gift cards for the identified families. If you would like to participate, please purchase gift cards in denominations of $50 or less from the following stores: Fry's/Fry's Marketplace, Basha's, Target, Walmart or Ace Hardware. All gift card donations should be received by Wednesday December 17th so that we can distribute them approximately 1 week prior to Christmas. You can donate more than one card or if you'd like to adopt a complete family - let us know. For more details contact Emily at info@oasislifechurch.org The more cards we get - the more families we can bless!

3. Community Giving Tree - again this event is sponsored by F.O.R. Maricopa . Stop by the lobby of Amtrust Bank (beside McDonald's) and pick a name of a child that needs a present this Christmas. All gifts are to be returned to the bank by Friday December 12th, unwrapped. There will also be the opportunity to be a part of the wrapping party. We'll get you details about helping in this fashion as we have information.

4. Finally - each year at Oasis we work to pay down our debt that is still outstanding from our initial build-out. Should God lay it on your heart to donate toward this purpose, you can direct your giving to Oasis Life Church and mark your check/envelope as a donation toward the 150/250 fund (150 gifts of $250 will completely pay off our debt). We still need 104 gifts of $250 to completely pay off our build out debt.

You guys are awesome and together we are learning to be extremely generous on all occasions and we pray that through your generosity, thanksgiving to God will result! (II Cor 9:11)

Should you have any questions - please do not hesitate to contact us!

Sincerely - Pastor Scott

Christmas Events at Oasis Life Church

2008-12-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

It's the Christmas season! Seems like just a few months ago we started the year as we talked about becoming a "Dangerous Church". Now we are just 4 Sundays from entering into 2009! And - since I come from the corporate world I still lapse into saying it's the "Holiday Season". However - I now am free to say Merry Christmas.

So what's happening at the Oasis this Christmas season?

This Saturday - Dec 6th - Flavor Women's ministry is hosting their second annual Christmas tea. I hear it's an awesome time for women to come and play with their grown-up tea sets, eat some awesome food and enjoy a Christmas program. This will include a talk by Nolita Squires and a dance performance by Alyssa Coles. Don't miss it!

Saturday - Dec 13th is the second annual presentation of "12-Days of Christmas". This variety show is in 12 acts. This year "Broken Rhodes" returns by popular demand and you'll hear from "Hydrate, the Band" and "Saturate Worship Band". Other acts include dance, drama and several children's presentations. In Oasis fashion we'll have a FREE dessert & coffee bar between the shows. Show times are 4:30 PM and 6 PM. Come early to get a seat as both shows filled up very fast last year!

Dec 17th - Our community groups will all come together a the home of Sean & Cheryl Kelly for a Christmas party. It's a celebration with a "white elephant" exchange!

December 24 - Candlelight Christmas Eve service. Join us for a family service with music, communion and a short message all set in a beautiful candlelight setting. Service time is 6 PM and childcare is provided for infants through age 5.

We'll also have a lot of opportunities to give back to our community. More on that tomorrow!

December Blogging Challenge

2008-12-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

Well - a few months ago I blogged that I wanted to blog like Perry Noble. To do that I'd have to be consistent and I'd have to put it on my schedule. If you follow my blog at all - you can see that once again I've had a huge blog gap.

So - tonight we sent our weekly newsletter out via Constant Contact. In this newsletter I asked for individuals to come to this blog and to sign up. I'm taking a blog challenge to blog at least 3-times a week in December. So - I decided that I better get one in to get this thing underway.

It seems there is so much to say - to report - to discuss. It just takes time and effort to be sure that it comes out on the blog. So - here goes - my December blog challenge.

Sign up to follow my blog and help keep me accountable. You just never know what crazy things may seep from my brain this month. I look forward to having you along for the ride!

Blessings - Pastor Scott

Oasis Sunday Night Mind Dump

2008-10-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

It's about 8PM Sunday night and my mind is still racing! Time for a bit of a mind dump so I can kick back and enjoy a little time with my wife tonight and looking forward to a day off tomorrow!

Awesome services today! I love being a team with my incredible wife, Caryl. I am so blessed to have a female pastor who does ministry by my side! Today she continued our series "The Sickness Within" and tackled Bitterness!
Thank-you to Kim Isaac for your bravery and courage to tell your story today as a part of the message! Your honesty & openness was moving and will encourage many to tackle the roots of their bitterness!
Two big weeks of events are finally over - Founder's Day & Oktoberfest - both in Maricopa. Thank you for the tireless volunteers who helped to organize and staff these events. We are sure to see the benefits for months to come.
Salvation in the house - last week and this week - salvation! It's why we exist. It is why we do what we do! Let's take the next steps to help these new believers to learn the path of discipleship.
Baptism - 4 individuals got baptized in the spa in my backyard. Over 80 people came to have a potluck and witness this event. I love the stories, the diversity and the hand of God in the journey. From the innocence of an 8 yr old to the intellectual, now convinced, teen to the 30-something couple full of love for a Savior - now living in radical abandon for Christ - the power of God is evident. I love hearing people tell their story and how good for the soul to see their public commitment.
Praying for the MANY who are looking for jobs right now. I pray that God will miraculously open doors that they did not know were there. Be their provision and their foundation.
Excited about the 17 individuals or families that are in their 3rd week of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at Oasis. This is very timely. In fact Caryl and I have decided to switch-up our next series that begins Sunday Nov 9th to talk about MONEY. This is something that we all are interested in and something we all need to put into perspective - God's perspective.
Looking forward to getting out of town this week with a friend - if just for a day! Refreshing.....
Oasis - we love you! It is so incredible to see the community that is developing. You have overwhelming love....oh, how can it be? Only those who have been set free can love so freely.
We have been forgiven much...so we must forgive much as well - this was what God spoke to our hearts today. Be blessed this week- Pastor Scott

Tithing - so does it still apply in the New Testament times?

2008-10-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

Economic doom all around! People are running from falling stocks faster than a gazelle searching for meat!

So - as Christians, we ask - on what have we built our house? Is God not our provider? Do the economic principles of the Bible not teach us to avoid debt and prepare for the future? Should I be tithing or even giving in a time like this? I've had to examine my heart and I've also been having a lot of conversations with people lately regarding this topic. I think the fact that economic uncertainty is "the topic" lends itself to reviewing our principles.

I hear a lot of talk about tithing being an Old Testament(OT) law or fact. But I am reminded that in the New Testament (NT) we see Jesus saying, "I have come not to abolish the law, but rather to fulfill it" ( Matt 5:16-18 ) . The fulfillment of the law seems to be a heart issue. Murder is not just killing another person but hating your brother. Adultery is no longer just have sexual relations with someone other than your spouse, it is lusting in your heart.

With this new fulfillment of the law, I'm convinced that tithing or giving to Kingdom work did not get diminished. Like all the other fulfillments of the law it too should be a raising the bar, not lowering it. Besides, if you add up tithes, offerings, first fruits and more - weren't they already giving way more than 10% in the OT?

I'm also reminded that this is about stewardship. We can't expect that just because we give 10% we will automatically or magically be rewarded. We can't expect that if we continue to live in debt, beyond our means and with no constraint that our 10% will make up for it. It is the whole package!

Bottom line - God is our provider. He set up an economic plan that could be sustained. Is He not the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow? I challenge you - check your heart and with all sincerity ask God what he would have you do with your money? Would he tell you to hoard it all for yourself? Has he not promised that if you are faithful to bring the tithe (& offerings, etc) that he will be faithful to you? Has he asked you to get your financial house in order? If he asked us to test Him in the time of Malachi - would he not ask us the same today?

Does the tithe still apply? I'd love to hear your responses!

I Wanna Blog Like Perry Noble!

2008-10-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

I want to blog like Perry Noble - I cannot lie - the content and the volume that this visionary, pastor, leader produces just blows my mind!! So - tonight as I flip between late night shows, Facebook, Twitter, TweetDeck, email and random searches on Google - I ask - how can I blog like Perry Noble?

For one - I would have to become a consistent blogger - I love that he blogs 5 days every week ! So - hmmm... he must put in on his schedule. Ok - I think can do that!

Next - he speaks his mind, he mind dumps - lots of reflections - I've already begun that but I'm still learning. So - what would you like to hear about? What can I do better?

Then - it's about the content. What I see is that he attacks lots of leadership issues and delves into topics from the Word of God. He also tells the story of what is happening at NewSpring Church. I'm confident that as my walk with God moves forward, as Oasis grows and as I surrender to the Spirit of God - there will be something to say. I guess that I've just held back because I'm not sure that anybody is really following what I say anyway. I'm learning that I really need to be myself, be obedient to what God is doing in me - and then write it down. If influence or "followers" come - it will come at the hand of God.

This past week - I spoke about "Envy" and I had to check my motives before I wrote this entry. I have to admit that via the web, via twitter - I had begun to have some pastor envy. However, I can honestly say that I love what Perry does. I say - go for it - get better and better! You are encouraging a whole new generation of pastors and leaders. I rejoice with you in your success in the Kingdom! Keep it up - I am learning so much and so..... and yes, I do want to blog like Perry Noble!

Random Thoughts - On a Friday

2008-09-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well- Sunday I was tired and I said - I'll blog on Monday.
Well - now it's Friday and my mind-dump might just go on for a long time

Here we go!

Response time during this "Facing the Family Challenge" series has been incredible! Love serving communion and being able to interact wih individuals - "There is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ"

Did I speak over 40 minutes on Sunday and we still got out on time ?(well - on time for the 2nd service!)

Community Groups are on the grow - each week we've been adding a few more people -if you've not attended one - this coming week will be another great opportunity.

Wed was service night for community groups - thank you to the 20 people who came and sorted and packed up all the "stuff" that has been donated for benevolence at Oasis - you made a difference - we love your passion.

We've lived in AZ since 97 and this is the first time we've had scorpions - I do not like scorpions!

This past weekend we divided into more classes in KidSplash. We now have infants through 2 yrs/3-5 yr olds/ K-2 and 3rd-5th grade. Pastor Susan is committed to age appropriate teaching and this new breakdown will allow us to more effectively meet this objective. Way to go Susan!

I continue to be excited that families are "getting it". Our lives are not perfect but we are learning what the "green zone" looks like and with God's help we are striving to have healthy families that are being transformed by the Grace of God!

Does this $700 billion buyout just fry your brain or what? I guess I am just not smart enough to understand global economics. I'm praying that these politicians are getting good advice because it is going to be a big deal for our futures. God have mercy.....

I now have over 325 friends on Facebook - are you one?

Twittering is now a daily thing for me - afraid of what that might mean? Click http://twitter.com/oasislifeScott to find out!

I am psyched for this weekend as we have Pray For Maricopa at 8:30 on Saturday morning. God be pleased as we come together in unity to pray for our city, our state, our nation, our churches, our families, our schools and our futures.

Can't wait to talk about establishing a spiritual foundation in the family this week! This may be the most important week of the four in "Facing The Family Challenge"

I love Oasis! You are awesome and I love doing life together

I think that is it for today! Be Blessed- pastor Scott

Oasis Sunday Night Reflections

2008-09-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that another week has flown by. Here are a few things I'm reflecting on tonight:

I'm so blessed to be church planter and pastor along with my wife Caryl. She is incredible and today she kicked off our new series " Facing the Family Challenge". She hit it out of the park and the reponse was awesome.
I love the days that we offer "response time" with the stations. It is awesome to see 100's of people up in a service and responding.
I love to administer communion one-to-one or to families in our response time - it is so personal and I love to express that "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ!"
Thank you Greg Surratt for the inspiration to set up the response time and response stations!
This past week had me in a fog and not terribly productive. I'm praying for a completely new perspective and ability to be focused and make lots of progress this week.
4-yr olds have a hard time telling you what is wrong when they are sick.
Praise God - Susan Hull, our children's pastor came successfully through her kidney stone surgery and we look forward to having her back in action next week as we divide KidSplash into 4 age groups next week.
Welcome Selina Wagner to the world - I was so blessed and excited to meet you. Daniel has become an awesome friend and it is great to have them as neighbors.
My birthplace - Galveston TX - took a beating this week from IKE and we pray for the recovery efforts there and the ongoing work in Baton Rouge - go HPC !
We continue to host Legacy Traditional School's middle school in our space during the week! Thank you to everyone who helps to transition our building on Friday & Sunday nights. This is a win-win for all involved.
My D-Backs can't seem to string together more than one win in a row!- I still have faith.
God has awesome things in store for us at Oasis! Let's give him the room to work in our lives and I pray you'll be in the house for the very important messages that are on tap for the next few weeks.
We love being the pastors of Oasis Life Church - you are awesome and we appreciate all that you do to make Oasis such a welcoming and friendly place!

Families in Crisis

2008-09-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight as I sit down to catch up on blogging - I'm reminded of why I'm a church planter. I love to know makes people tick. I love to see lives turned around. I love to see people who were skeptical about God realize that He is real. I know Jesus is the answer and I love when through relationship, teaching, life and the power of the Holy Spirit - people get it.

Still - why are families disintegrating? Why does divorce affect even 1 in 2 families in the church? Can we reverse what has been set in motion now for so many years? Is there hope to turn things around? Can we find healing even if our family has already been torn apart?

This Sunday we begin a new series, "Facing the Family Challenge". This hard hitting series looks at the roots of divorce, the effects of divorce on children, spouses and even those who are not in the immediate family.

What would it cost to stay in a relationship and find help? If this is not possible, how can we find healing and minimize the damage?

If you've not faced divorce, then you've probably had some other challenge in your family. We all have them, we all face them. I hope you'll join us for this series and learn how we can face the family challenge.

Wow! I forgot what it was like to get away!

2008-09-03T18:10:00.000-07:00

Just finishing up a 9 day VC with the family! Since we launched Oasis we've not been away for more than a few days!

There is so much to blog! So much to catch up! Tonight I just wanted to post a picture of my immediate family and say "I love you!"

"....One Another"

2008-08-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on our latest series, "...One Another". Faith without action is useless. Does it sound harsh to you? Come find out what Jesus says when it comes how to love, serve and encourage one another.

The Christian life is activated when we put the "...One Another" passages into practice.

Why "...One Another"?

Remember, We Are Better Together!

Faith Without Action is Useless.

Pratice Makes Perfect.

We are to "Love...One Another" - Deeply, With Devotion and with Honor, Kindness & Compassion. Want to hear it? - Listen online at http://tinyurl.com/5zlent

Monday Night Reflections

2008-08-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

So here I am blogging on a Monday night! Normally this is my family day - and there was some family time today! However - we are about to go on vacation so Monday and Tuesday will be work days this week!

A couple things I'm reflecting on tonight!

Last week was crazy - we did a facility agreement with Legacy Traditional School to host their jr. high for a few weeks until their site is ready. Lots of moving. Lots of work but a win-win!
Sunday was the start of a landmark series for us, "...One Another"
"Love...One Another" - week one - Wow! God really took me by surprise - insight about commands in a "Don't tell me what to do" world and revelation that if we really do the work of the Father while we are here - eterenity is just a continuation of what we've already learned.
I keep falling more in love with Jesus and he keeps stretching me in ways I didn't know I could stretch.
Seasons of a church are challenging but I love it!
Perry Noble http://www.perrynoble.com you challenge me to blog more - how do you do that? I love that you blog 5 times a week and you speak your mind! It really is time that we stop being so politically and religiously correct and say what needs to be said!

More to come! - with love Pastor Scott

Oasis - Sunday Night Reflections

2008-08-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! Another week has come and gone! Tonight I'm reflecting on the day that just was....

The refections and thoughts are random and here they flow:

Oasis - what an incredible team you are - we love you!
Today I saw part of our future as Josh Grubbs spoke in our services! He is passionate and rightly divides the word of God!
Josh - you are an incredible sport to develop a life application msg from a movie entitled "Thunderpants"
Vision lunch was smaller than the past months but always love this time - so personal and rewarding to share our story and the passion God has breathed into this church!
Hydrate youth and Submerge (4th & 5th) started back tonight and what a start! - yeah God
A 3rd service is on the way - so will it be Saturday? A 3rd on Sunday AM? - we'd love to hear your feedback.
Saturday svc means we need more volunteers - are we ready to take this on?
So - as a finale for "At the Kids Movies" - we are doing "Cars" - spread the word and invite your friends - it's gonna be an awesome way to end a very thought provoking series
2 Diamondbacks games this week! One with Johnny and one with family and new friends from Oasis - we had an awesome time!
Gotta love Olympics!

It's now after 9 PM and on Sunday night that mean shut-down and relax! Soon to be zzzzzzz!

Be blessed and have an awesome week! - Pastor Scott

Oasis - Sunday Night Reflections

2008-07-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Wow - it's late Sunday night and I'm still awake! What an awesome day we had at Oasis today! I've been a bit overwhelmed by what we are learning in our series "At the Kid's Movies! - Today we did "Ratatouille" and it is amazing what you can learn from a rat.

So as for my reflections tonight:

Kids movies are awesome and even if you don't have kids - you should check them out!
Remy, "the rat" can teach us that your beginning does not need to determine your end!
You can know your TRUE identity (in Christ) and most of us would like to have a new identity
LIGHT BULB - our TRUE identity in Christ is for a purpose- Freedom.
If we are co-heirs with Christ and he came to be a servant - then our identity is to be like him - a servant to others.
Use your identity for a purpose - Freedom. Use your freedom to serve others!
Popcorn in church is an awesome thing!
Attendance is growing in July - "a new concept in AZ!"
God is our healer, our portion, - all we need.....and the operative word is that we believe because without faith it is impossible to please God!

Be blessed and I look forward to hearing how you used your freedom to serve others this week!

Pastor Scott

Facebook - 209 Friends!

2008-07-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Wow - Facebook is addictive and time consuming but I'm reconnecting with peope I've not had contact with for 15-20 years! I'm loving this and I've already connected with 209 people in just about a month!

So are you on Facebook? - I'll see you there!
Pastor Scott

Johnny's Prayer

2008-07-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Wow - do I love being a dad or what? There are just times that kids can be so alive that you want to linger in the moment for a long time!

I just came from putting Johnny to bed. Every night we ask him who he wants to pray for. There are many nights that he names just one person or others that he says - "you pray tonight". But tonight was one of those prolific nights of prayer from the lips of a 4-year old and daddy just got to listen.

"Thank you God for Joshua, Alex, BobbiJo..thank you for pappy and ma Baker,thank you for Mackie, and Brandy and Bailey. Please take care of Bailey.(she was our dalmation that passed last fall) Thank you for Levi and all of my friends...thank you for my friends at school, thank you for that school, thank you for our new house, thank you for my bunk bed, thank you for our walls - thank you that our house is not a warehouse! (?not sure where that came from) Thank you for air conditioning - Amen!"

Then we got to talk about how prayer is something that God loves. I explained that praying is talking to God about all the things that you are thankful for, what you've been doing and even your questions. I said - God is our Daddy in heaven and just like I love to hear what you do everyday - God wants to hear from you. I told him that even God would talk to him. Johnny said - "But God doesn't talk". Daddy said "If you stop and listen you will hear him in your mind and your heart one day - I promise you." From Johnny - silence....and contemplation.

Then we did "Johnny Is..." and off to sleep. Oh - if this moment could last forever!

Oasis - Sunday Night Reflections

2008-07-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

I first have to say that this Sunday night reflection in the style of another blog that I've come to follow. www.PerryNoble.com

I really like his simple bullets - so here is what I'm reflecting on this Sunday night!

I love the people that God is calling to Oasis! How diverse, how beautiful, how creative and how you are learning unity in Christ!
I loved today's new series "At the 'Kids' Movies". It was kind of a risk but turned out to be an awesome day as Caryl taught about Wilbur & Charlotte from "Charlotte's Web". All of us can be extraordinary.
I'm thinking about my "One Thing" that I need to focus on for the next 30 days to be come Extraordinary. How about you?
I'm wondering if Robert Vigil will actually request battle pay to clean up the popcorn during this series?
I'm reflecting on what a great thing it was to do corporate communion today. It's been several months since we did this. I'm always blown away by how many people need to know that the blood of Jesus can reach any hidden area of our lives. Have you applied the blood to the closest with skeletons?
I'm still amazed at our attendance today. Is this summer?
I'm always pumped when we get to share the Vision of Oasis Life Church and having nearly 50 adults (and 20+ kids in the back) was awesome today. Anyone want to be a partner?
I'm grateful that my in-laws are here to live with us in AZ and that they came to Oasis today! Besides - mom made mandarin orange cake for the Vision Lunch!
I'm on my face thanking God that he is allowing me to be a part of what he is doing in the city of Maricopa! I know there are greater things to be done in this city.
I could go on but .....
I'm reflecting that by nearly 10 PM on a Sunday - it is time for some rest!

With love - let's pursue Him with all that is within us. It is worth it!

Blessings - Pastor Scott

Facebook Week

2008-07-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ok - so my sister introduced me to Facebook a year ago but I finally joined this past week! - Wow, how cool is that. I'm always a little scared to be on MySpace because I'm not sure what will pop up on my screen but on Facebook it appears to be much less prone to pornography and you have a lot of controls on what you and others see!

So - this week I've connected with family members, long lost friends, past co-workers, neighbors, other pastors, Christian leaders, church members and so many more! If you've not checked it out - I think it is an awesome platform and one worth investing some time building a profile and finding friends online!

As you know - at Oasis we also use www.mychurch.org/oasislifechurch.org This provides a great and safe place for even younger kids to do social networking in a safe environment. The cool thing is that for those who have both profiles - Facebook and MyChurch can be linked from Facebook.com.

So - will I see you online? Anyone for some social networking?
Pastor Scott

Blogarama ! (and final One Prayer msg)

2008-07-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

Wow - I love blogging! However there are times that the amount of places that need to be updated in the media and social networking sites that I just fall behind.

So tonight is Blogarama Baby! - Time to catch up!

On Sunday - July 6 we finished the "One Prayer series. If you've not yet checked it out go to www.oneprayer.com. Our final message was from John Siebeling of The Life Church of Memphis (www.thelifechurch.com) The prayer was "God, Make Us Diverse". While know that we have come a long way in diversity there is still much work to be done.

At Oasis - it is a part of our guiding principle of "Passion for People" that we should be "attractively diverse". Caryl and I believe we should worship here on earth in such a way that reflects how we will worship in heaven - all nations, all races, all colors, all disabilities, all shapes, all sizes, all economic stratas....ALL!

John - Thank you for the challenge! Thank you for your example!

So people of Oasis - friends - how do you embrace divesity? I'd love to hear your comments and storis - With Love - Pastor Scott

Oasis & the AZ Diamondbacks

2008-07-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

July 4 - the day we celebrate our countries freedom! 85 of us from Oasis went to the AZ Diamondbacks www.azdiamondbacks.com game vs the San Diego Padres. Turns out that the Davis/Blackburns had another 30 tickets just in front of us so we knew nearly 115 people in our section! We had a blast event though the D-backs lost!

The highlight of the night was the fireworks that took place after the game! Just after 10 PM the lights all went out in the stadium after the roof was opened! We enjoyed nearly 20 minutes of intense fireworks to awesome patriotic music! Johnny loved it but was so tired I had to carry him all the way back to the car - which due to the sold-out crowd took quite a while!

Sounds like a great tradition to get started - so what do you say - want to do it again next year?

Have a great week - Pastor Scott

One Prayer - Wk 4 - Chris Hodges - "Make Us Authentic"

2008-07-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

One Prayer has been an awesome time for us at Oasis Life Church. Not only are we having an incredible time as we join over 1500 churches (and growing daily) in this incredible experiment in unity but we are getting to hear from some of the great ARC pastors . We are so blessed to be a part of an incredible organization. See www.relatedchurches.com

This past weekend we heard from Chris Hodges of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL. (www.churchofthehighlands.com) His prayer was "God, Make Us Genuine". There were so many great things in this message but the thing that stood out was the idea that if we fall in love with God we will want to follow his commands.

Thank you Chris for your incredible insight. As a church we took a hard look at ourselves and asked - "Are we genuine followers of Christ?" So what do you think?

One Prayer - Wk3 - WOW - Dino Rizzo gave us an awesome word!

2008-06-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

Wow - if there is any pastor in the ARC network that my heart beats like - it is Dino Rizzo! We were so blessed to have this word of "Make Us Extremely Generous" from Dino. We laughed, we cried and we were moved to be more like Jesus!

Who can ever forget the story of the leopard print nighties and how Healing Place Church blessed their community in a very special way? We desire to be a place that is used by God no matter what is asked of us! May we reflect the heart of Jesus in our compassion!

Thank you Dino for inspiring us to become all that we can become. We are already becoming known as the hub in our community if you want to donate something, give something away or receive help! At times is overwhelming but I believe that God is pleased that we are willing! Oasis - you are awesome and thank you for having the heart of Jesus!

Have an awesome week - Pastor Scott

One Prayer - Wk2 - Craig Groeschel - you knocked it out of the park!

2008-06-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

Week two of One Prayer was incredible! We heard from Pastor Craig Groeschel of www.lifechurch.tv and he prayed "Father in Heaven - Make Us One!" What if we became the answer to Jesus prayer? (John 17:20-24)

Unite us around one Enemy, one Heart & One Purpose! We are to be the church or ekklesia - literally the called out ones!

Caryl & I have had a passion to see our city come together in prayer! Look for more info coming this week as we introduce Maricopa City Prayer on Saturday June 28th at 8:30 AM. Get more info at www.PrayForMaricopa.org

So - what is your one prayer?

One Prayer - Week One - "Make Us Religious"

2008-06-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! The experiment is under way! Now over 1400 churches, representing over 800,000 believers is up and running.

This past weekend at Oasis we answered the question - "if God would answer One Prayer for the church - what what would you pray?" Caryl and I spoke and our prayer was "Make Us Religious".

Needless to say this title made many uncomfortable. At Oasis and in many churches we have worked hard to not be "religious" but rather relational. We have not changed our position or the direction of the church. However, as we sought God on what our prayer would be - we kept coming back to James 1:26-27.

Those who are 'Truly' religious - will pay heed to this verse.

1. Truly Religious People Control Their Tongue
2. Truly Religious People Are Compassionate
3. Truly Religious People Refuse Corruption

May the church become a place of action and one that not only looks religious but rather is 'truly' religious. Perhaps you cringe when someone asks you if you are religious. In light of James 1:26-27 - when someone asks you if you are religious this week, how will you respond?

God - Make us 'Truly' Religious

One Prayer - Begins June 8th

2008-06-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

We are excited to be a part of now over 1300 churches (and growing daily) representing more then 775,000 believers around the world who are joining for One Prayer.

Jesus prayed in John 17:20-24 - My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (NIV)

In this series we answer the question "If God would answer 'One Prayer' for the church at large, what would you pray?". Each week we pray "God, Make Us...." Together we will seek after God, fast and pray. Check out more info at www.OnePrayer.com and join us beginning this Sunday June 8th at 8:30 or 10:30 AM.

Be a part o this historic event as we seek God and what he is saying to the body!

Love in Christ
Pastor Scott

Final Bullpen of the Spring Season!

2008-05-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Men - Tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM at the Sunrise Cafe we will have our final Bullpen. We normally discuss questions related to last weeks message and then tackle a current, hot or controversial topic.

This final week we will discuss the following question: If scripture says that true religion is to care for orphans & widows in their distress & to keep oneself from being polluted by the world, what does that say about how we should be living as followers of Christ?

Tomorrow following the Bullpen - I'll post some of the responses from our discussion. If you have not been able to attend - I'd love to have you post your responses here as well.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Pastor Scott

Check This Out!

2008-01-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

Well - if you've been following this blog - you'll see that there has been a bit of a gap! My blog provider mistakenly locked this blog as spam for a few weeks and it is finally up and running again! Thanks for your patience.

Many of you have already discovered this great new site. If you have not - check out http://www.mychurch.org/ . It is an awesome online social networking site that is specifically for churches. It works in a similar way to Facebook and MySpace, however it is a safe place for the whole family.

I've included the link to our church page - just click on this blog entry and you'll be redirected to the Oasis Life Church page on mychurch.org. If you have not yet visited and joined this site - take the time to do so. It's a great place to post encouragement, communicate with one another, blog, and check out the Sharing section. I think this will be a great new place for us to communicate about needs and what we can share with one another.

I've also elected for this site to be the place to post my daily blog entries concering our current time of fasting.

See you online - Blessings - Scott

Saying Good-bye!

2007-12-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

Saying Good-bye....Elton John says sorry is the hardest word to say. But what about good-bye? I'm prone to avoid it as well.

Today is the last day that Chad & Mandie Platt, our Hydrate pastors are with us. Tonight they'll have a final New Year's Eve party with the youth and staff.

Thank you for your sacrifice! Thank you for the seeds you have planted. In January of 2006, we met for the first time in our house in Cobblestone. From that day to now - you have been so committed, so engaged - so ready to make a difference. At the time - the youth group would be called H2O but you soon breathed life into another "water" name and Hydrate was born.

Chad & Mandie - when I put you up to a challenge - you always came through. Will we ever forget that I randomly announced that the following week would be "Double the Youth Group" week? That next week you rallied the troups and you went from 19 to 38 in attendance! You've got what it takes to lead - this has been only the beginning of your journey.

We love you and wish you the very best as you finish your education. We will be praying for you and waiting to hear of all that God is doing in your lives. Portland's gain is our loss!

2007 - Let's Celebrate All that God Has Done!

2007-12-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

Wow! - 2007 is coming to an end! This week I've been a bit under the weather and perhaps that has made me a bit more contemplative than normal! There is so much to absorb as the year comes to the end - my personality just doesn't want to miss out on anything!

This past week was awesome! We had an incredible time reflecting on Immanuel on Sunday - God with us! Thank you God for putting on skin and coming to dwell among us! God with us! We need you every day!

On Monday - our first Christmas Eve services were packed and we reflected on the Lamb of God! The sinless sacrifice that took away all our sin - came to earth as Immanuel. The names of God provide us with so much insight into his character and encourage us to live our lives different than before we had the knowledge of him. That night we met by candlelight and the word of John 1 encouraged us to Come - to where He is, to take the time to Learn from Him and even though we have not figured out all the theological implications - to Tell others! We know he is the Messiah, Immanuel, the Lamb of God! As Andrew brought his brother Simon - who would be called Peter - we never know what God has in store if we will just share the good news!

And now - this Sunday we will Celebrate all the God has done in 2007! What a year - what a ride! I hope that you will come - that you will celebrate and that you will be free!

Keep in touch! 2008 is going to about going deeper and the next steps of our journey together at Oasis!

With Love

Pastor Scott

12-Days of Christmas - Our First Annual Show!

2007-12-16T23:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone - The month of December has brought many great memories already! This past Friday the set was erected for our first annual 12-Days of Christmas Show! Thank you to Tom Gallagher, Carrie Vargas, David Vargas, the Silliman family, Chad Platt and Reed Peavler for their many hours of energy to get this all completed.

Stay - tuned - hopefully I'll be able to post a video of the show.

Our performances were at 5:00 and 7:00 PM on Saturday night. If you weren't there - we had great performances by Chandler rock band Broken Rhodes, interpretive dance by 3 different groups from within Oasis and an always Christmas favorite of children singing. We were also treated to a drama performed by David & Julie Mastel, a monologue by Carrie Vargas, a humorous look at "The 12-Days After Christmas" sung in style by David Vargas and Susan Hull. And, stealing the show at both performances was the stomp-like "7 Drummers Drumming" (with 8 actual drummers!). All of these drummers are a part of our current worship team at Oasis! We are blessed with rhythm.

The dessert and coffee bar between, coordinated by Lynn Perkins, was holiday sugar coma! Thank you to everyone who assisted with preparation, set-up, tear down and most of all - eating the goodies.

My wife Caryl, our pastor over creative arts, and Carrie Vargas worked very hard and pulled off an incredible evening. Our first production of this show was incredible and provided a great time for all that attended. Rumor is that next years acts are already lining up!

I've posted a picture sent to me via email earlier today(it shows a bit of the set!) - I look forward to seeing more! Send them my way and I'll get them on the blog!

Merry Christmas - have a blessed week

Scott

Oasis - 10 months today since our launch!

2007-12-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Today - December 11, 2007 it has been 10 months since our launch! What a ride it has been.

How many of you remember our first Sundays out on the parking lot as we waited for our building to be finished? The weather was awesome and we had an incredible time. Ceylon of Desert Stars Performing Arts was so gracious to rent us her dance studio for KidSplash and J&J Jumpers provided a bouncer! We gave away an iPod to Anderson Thomas and we got to meet several hundred new friends in Maricopa. The second week we were also outside but finally by week 3 we moved into the building.

Since that time we have seen our Dream Team Grow to 85 Adults plus children for a total of 130 or more people who are serving and actively involved in seeing Oasis Life Church become all that it is to become. Out stats show that nearly 350 people call Oasis their home church and weekly about 200 show up for services. Most importantly - we've seen at least 25 people commit their lives to Christ. Over 100 people got involved in Oasis groups this fall and many are taking a serious look at what discipleship means! We are on the journey together.

Another incredible thing about Oasis this year is that you all have stepped up to help families in need - over and over again. Our belief is that the church should be doing so much more of what has be relegated to the government. Thank you for helping to provide meals to dozens of families. Thank you for helping to provide furniture and goods to furnish an entire house. Thank you for the dozens of boxes of diapers. Thank you for the donations that helped to keep utilities on for emergency situations. Thank you for the clothes, the toys and so much more! You truly are making a difference in our community.

In the next two months we will be finalizing our plans for our one year celebration! You are not going to want to miss this. We'll be planning a family event, kids events, concerts, bless-the-community events and more give-aways as we look to the weekend of Feb 9 & 10, 2008. Keep checking back for more details and spread the word!

Caryl & I love being your pastors!
Let's do life!

Awesome Weekend!

2007-12-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

Its' Monday morning - and as I've taught in weeks gone by - this is ALSO the day the Lord has made, I'll rejoice and be glad in it!

What an exciting weekend all around! On Friday we hosted the Maricopa Women In Business (WMIB) Holiday Party. It was an great time for everyone to get to know each other and for the husbands to meet each other as well. As always, I enjoyed just getting to know some new people from the Copa!

Saturday was set aside for Oasis' first ever Flavor Women Christmas Tea & Dessert. Over 30 ladies attended and word on the street is that the hostesses out did themselves, Pastor Susan's scones are the best in the world and Nolita Squires spoke with passion and was inspiring! Way to go Flavor Women!!

We desire to be a place that cares for the hurting, the downdrodden and the forgotten. Church - you never cease to amaze me as you come forward asking how you can serve and give. Thank you to the families that have volunteered to adopt another family for Christmas. So many people are going to be blessed this year. There are still more people in need of assistance so please let us know if you have the desire to be a part of this opportunity.

Sunday - we learned that Jehovah Tsidkenu is the Lord our Righteouseness. It sounds churchy but the bottom line is that He is always right, always straight on the path and he offers this all to us! He wants you and I to return to the path of righteousness and most importantly - don't forget to wear your robe! When He sees you - he sees the robe you have been given to cover up all the past, the struggle, the addictions and more! For those who have made Christ your Savior and Lord - "we are the righteousness of Christ". I don't know about you - but I am glad that when God looks at me, he doesn't see me but rather he sees the righteousness he had deposited in the core of who I am!

Finally - Hydrate Student Minsitries had an incredible night as they had their final teaching by Chad & Mandie Platt. They were "Submerged" as they looked at the Great Commission. Next week is going to be a huge celebration and learning about the new and exciting things coming up in 2008!

Have a blessed week my friends

Do You Hear His Voice?

2007-12-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

Do you hear His voice?

This morning was an incredible start to the day. I met with 5 other men for "The Bullpen" at Sunrise Cafe. We meet to discuss current, controversial or hot topics and apply scripture to our lives.

Today we talked more about Jehovah Rohi, the Good Shepherd. Our current series, a.k.a. God, is helping us to learn about the character of God by learning his names. This week we learned about his provision, his peace and his presence. He is the one who cares for us, calms us and comforts us. What a personal view of God, one who would gather us as a lamb and carry us close to his heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

As we discussed this passage more today we had to deal with the realities of being sheep. This is not really a popular image in an individualistic, slick world. However, as one guy said - at least we know that there will always be green grass, fresh water and one who will protect me. Another man talked about how we all must see ourselves as shepherds and the responsiblity we have to our families, other young men and to the culture around us. Perhaps the thing that stayed with me most was our dicussion about hearing the shepherds voice.

Often believers say, I've accepted Christ, I'm trying to do the right things, but "I don't think I hear his voice?" . The guy who brought this to us for discussion, so geniunely told of when he was a young believer and asked his pastor this question. He said that he learned that day that the word of God is always true and does not lie. As his pastor told him, "if you have committed your life to Jesus, if he is your Savior, you can hear his voice." That day, he became aware that the Shepherd was speaking to him and he could hear his voice. That was the day that his relationship with Jesus began to change.

The Good Shepherd is there to care, calm and comfort you. He is speaking directly to you. Do you hear His voice?

It's a Blogging World

2007-12-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Well - it is about time that I join the latest century and stop fighting technology. It's a blogging world and it is time for Scott Helsel to join the ranks.

Today I finally decided I'd start a blog. I guess a part of my personality has kept me from getting started because I'm afraid I won't do it perfectly, stay up-to-date or even make sense. But - I guess the point of blogging is to be none of these things!

My hope is to begin a dialogue with the people of Oasis Life Church, family and friends. Hopefully we'll all be able to be a growing part of our incredible journey here in Maricopa AZ! Caryl and I have now been living in Maricopa, AZ for over 2 and 1/2 years. Oasis is now a reality and the doors have been open for 10 months (plus 13 months in our home!) as of this week. A five year dream has become reality!

Thanks for taking the time to read this today! I look forward to hearing your stories, your comments, your dreams and your challenges! Let's do life!

With love - Pastor Scott